VILLANOVA, PA. - Eric Heidenberger made his first career goal one to remember, scoring the game-winner as Villanova defeated Colgate, 5-4, in the season opener on Saturday afternoon at Villanova Stadium.
Villanova struck first as Richie Kratz found David Cacciabeve on the right wing for a 1-0 lead at 12:39 of the first. The Wildcats then tallied two quick goals in the last 10 seconds of the quarter to open up a 3-0 advantage. Matt Starker and Matt Lucas each notched unassisted tallies.
Colgate responded in the second stanza with two goals to trim the gap to 3-2. Robert Trasolini registered both Raider goals, with Jeff Vander Muelen and Rob Ryan picking up assists.
Starker notched his second of the game with 22 seconds left in the quarter to send Villanova to the locker room with a 4-2 lead.
Third quarter goals by Eddie Brennan and Vander Muelen tied the score at 4-4 after three quarters. Colgate goalie Andrew Jarolimek also made four key saves on Wildcat attempts to keep the Raiders even.
Heidenberger gave Villanova back the lead, 5-4, after scoring on a rebound in front of the net with 14:06 remaining in the game.
Villanova goalie Joseph Canuso finished with five saves to pick up the win, while Jarolimek tallied 15 saves.
The Wildcat defense stopped all four extra-man attempts by the Raiders and limited Colgate to just 13 shots on the day.
Villanova returns to action on Feb. 29 at 1 p.m. when Lehigh visits Villanova Stadium.
